Research Security Manager

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

The Office for Research delivers professional research support services with functions spanning grants, development, ethics and integrity, policy, performance and reporting. Griffith University is one of Australia’s largest universities. It is research intensive, inclusive, innovative, progressive, deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific region, and committed to ensuring it contributes to society through research that provides social dividends.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Research Security Manager to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the University's research enterprise while enabling world-class research collaboration and innovation.

As a trusted expert and adviser within the Office for Research, you will lead the University's approach to research security, advising academic and professional staff on how to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and geopolitical landscape. You will provide expert guidance on secure international engagement, defence export controls, sanctions compliance, foreign interference risks and other government security requirements that impact research activities.

This is a unique opportunity to influence institutional policy, build organisational capability and support research excellence through a proactive and collaborative approach to security governance.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to

• Serve as the University's primary contact for research security matters, liaising with regulatory agencies and overseeing compliance reporting obligations.
• Fulfil the role of Institutional Security Officer, supporting the University's obligations under the Defence Science Partnership and Defence Industry Security Program frameworks.
• Provide expert advice on legislation and regulatory requirements relating to defence export controls, autonomous sanctions, foreign influence and foreign interference.
• Manage licences, permits, technology control plans and compliance records, ensuring accurate reporting and documentation.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures and governance frameworks that promote best-practice research security compliance.
• Conduct due diligence assessments and research security risk analyses to support informed decision-making and risk mitigation.
• Design and deliver guidance, training, resources and digital tools that enhance research security awareness and capability across the University.
• Build effective relationships and communicate complex compliance requirements clearly to researchers, HDR candidates, professional staff and external stakeholders.
• About you

The successful candidate will have

An ability to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) Security Clearance (or higher) in accordance with the University's Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) obligations.

A bachelor's or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, together with at least five years' relevant professional experience, preferably in Engineering, Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, International Trade, Law, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

You will also have

Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks relating to research security, defence export controls, autonomous sanctions, foreign interference and foreign influence.

Experience developing, implementing and monitoring compliance, governance or risk management frameworks within a complex organisation.

Proven ability to conduct due diligence and risk assessments, analyse complex information, and provide practical, risk-based advice.

Strong policy development and procedural documentation skills, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation in an operational environment.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to deliver training, provide advice and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information with discretion, sound judgement and a high degree of professionalism.

Desirable

Experience working within the higher education, research, government, defence, national security or regulatory sectors.

Knowledge of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), Defence Science Partnership framework, export controls, sanctions compliance or related research security programs.

Experience engaging with Commonwealth Government agencies and regulatory authorities.

What we can offer

This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 9 is in the range $137,165 - $142,070 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $160,483 - $166,222 per annum.

Additional Information

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities

Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment

Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts

Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading

Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme

Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)

* Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Claudia Arango, Deputy Director – Research Excellence, Performance and Systems at [email protected].

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected].

Closing date: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.